Make an impact! Create a Self-Care Pantry at Your School!
Enter the Self-Care Pantry Contest!
Open to all elementary and secondary schools in Windsor-Essex
October 1 to November 13, 2026
- Identify a lead and create a NEW self-care pantry at your school.
- Prepare a photo of your self-care pantry for submission.
PRIZES
- Schools who create a new pantry have a chance to win one of five $50 PC Gift Cards for supplies, or one of 10 Start-Up Packages of supplies (valued at $100).
Bonus WIN!
The first 10 schools to enter will get a
Mini Start-Up Package of supplies!
Regular access to essential necessities like deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and menstrual supplies is a challenge for many of our youth in Windsor-Essex County.
In Canada, 1 in 4 menstruating individuals have had to choose between paying for period products or other basics such as food. Aside from the high cost for hygiene products, youth also feel that stigma around periods and hygiene remain. Many hide their period products while at school or work and feel shame for having it. Youth also face a lack of education and information about available community resources.
By providing free hygiene products and education about community supports at school through a self-care pantry, students will have the support and ability to attend school regularly, decrease absenteeism, increase academic performance, and improve school inclusivity.
For any additional support, contact the Comprehensive Health Promotion Hotline at 519-258-2146 ext. 1555 or email chp@wechu.org.
School-wide ideas
- Review who is responsible for it: Are students involved in the support, stocking, or distribution of the supplies? How can students get involved?
- Set a schedule: Review inventory regularly and note what is taken the most.
- Survey students: See who is accessing the supplies (gender, juniors/seniors) and what is taken or needed the most (e.g. do students request/need deodorant or menstrual products?)
- Consider the location: Is it accessible and in a private space for all genders throughout the school day?
- Update additional supports: Review and update pamphlets for local agencies such as the Youth Wellness Hub that have additional resources and supplies. Include the Windsor-Essex Youth Services Card.
- Promote it: Use social media and announcements.
- Plan for sustainability: Think about ways to supply and re-stock the resources. Approach the school student council, administration/staff, or parent council for support with organization, supplying, or fundraising for new and continued supplies. Hold school fundraising events or contests such as Tampon Tuesday or contact local community organizations such as the Windsor United Way or Windsor Goodfellows.
- Identify a school lead/champion: Consider creating a wellness committee or a group of school staff champions and interested students who will be responsible for maintaining it.
- Plan where it will be located: Ensure it is accessible and in a private space for all genders throughout the school day.
- Survey students to see what supplies are needed most: For example - do students request/need deodorant or menstrual products?
- Add additional supports: Include pamphlets for youth community groups or agencies such as the Youth Wellness Hub that have additional resources and supplies.
- Promote it: Use social media and announcements.
- Plan for sustainability: Think about ways to supply and re-stock the resources. Approach the school student council, administration/staff, or parent council for support with organization, supplying, or fundraising for new and continued supplies. Hold school fundraising events or contests such as Tampon Tuesday or contact local community organizations such as the Windsor United Way or Windsor Goodfellows.
- Need more help? Contact your school health nurse at 519-258-2146 ext. 1555 or email chp@wechu.org
Community Services
Please contact the locations directly to confirm program details.
1049 Janette Avenue, Windsor | 519-254-2363
Monday-Thursday 9-6pm,
Friday 9-5pm
Children, Youth and Young Adults up to age 29
Emergency food pantry, hygiene pantry (personal care items, menstrual products), emergency clothing access (seasonal and essential wear), and many supportive programs. Walk-ins accepted, appointments preferred.Leamington
The Bridge Youth Resource Centre
310 Sherk Street, Leamington | 226-773-3454
Monday-Friday 10am-6:30pm,
Drop-In Programs 2-6:30pm
Youth ages 14-24
Access to essential needs items, including food from our food pantry and personal hygiene products on an as-needed basis. Youth can drop in to learn more about accessing these resources and other programs and supports available through The Bridge.